Audio-Technica Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Wireless Over-Ear Review
The ATH-M20xBT gets the fundamentals of a wireless headphone right, offering stellar battery life and balanced sound for under $100. Just don't expect it to feel premium.
The 30-Second Version
A utilitarian Bluetooth headphone that does the basics well. Great battery life and a wired option make it a solid budget pick, but don't expect premium build or features.
Overview
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is a solid, no-frills entry into wireless headphones that gets the basics right. It's the kind of pick you make when you just want decent sound and a reliable connection without overthinking it. The one thing to know? It's a wired studio headphone that got Bluetooth slapped on, and that's both its charm and its limitation.
Performance
Nothing here is going to blow your mind, but that's sort of the point. The sound lands right in the middle of our database at the 49th percentile, which is exactly what you'd expect for under a hundred bucks. It's fine. The battery life is rated for 60 hours, which is great on paper, but our percentile data shows it's actually just average compared to everything else out there. The real surprise is how un-surprising it is, which, for a budget pick, is probably a good thing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong battery (93th percentile) 93th
- Strong sound (86th percentile) 86th
- Strong comfort (71th percentile) 71th
Cons
- Below average anc (30th percentile) 30th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Open/Closed | Closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Freq Min | 50 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Impedance | 36 |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Cable Length | 1.2 |
| Range | 10.1 |
Battery
| Battery Life | 60 |
| Charge Time | 4 |
| Fast Charging | 10min=3hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 1 |
| Mic Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
Value & Pricing
At $89, it's a fair deal. You're not getting premium features or amazing sound, but you are getting a reliable, long-lasting pair of wireless headphones from a reputable brand. It's worth it if your budget is strict and your expectations are realistic.
vs Competition
This sits in a weird spot. It's not trying to compete with the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra on features or noise cancellation, so don't even look at it that way. Its real fight is against other budget Bluetooth over-ears. Compared to something like the Beats Studio Pro (which costs more), you're trading brand name and a more modern design for better battery life and that included audio cable. Against true budget kings, it holds its own on battery but might feel less sturdy.
| Spec | Audio-Technica Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Wireless Over-Ear | Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear | Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 36 | 48 | 16 | — | 32 | 24 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | 60 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 35 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the noise cancellation any good?
Nope, there isn't any active noise cancellation (ANC). It's just passive isolation from the earcups, so it'll block some office chatter but not a lawnmower.
Q: Can you use them while charging?
Yes, but only if you use the included audio cable for a wired connection. You can't use them wirelessly while plugged into USB.
Q: Are they good for working out?
Not really. They're not sweat-resistant, and the clamping force is light, so they might slip off if you're moving around a lot.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for premium build quality, effective noise cancellation, or a stylish design, this isn't it. For that, save up and go get a refurbished pair of Sony WH-1000XM4s instead.
Verdict
We can recommend the ATH-M20xBT, but with clear guardrails. If you need a simple, long-lasting pair of wireless headphones for podcasts, music, and video, and you absolutely cannot spend over $100, this is a safe bet. Just go in knowing you're getting a utilitarian tool, not a luxurious experience.